Brian Elliott

Just as everyone expected, the Los Angeles Kings quickly dispatched of the President’s Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks in five games. Also (and just as expected) was the latter squad’s complete no-show on offense, perpetual state of disarray on defense and lack of physicality in nearly every single one of the five games. What took place last week was a meltdown of an unacceptable degree. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

However (!), just because Vancouver lost the series does not mean Los Angeles didn’t deserve to advance. Vezina Trophy candidate (and deserving winner) Jonath...

It's still uncertain whether the San Jose Sharks have shed their reputation of being chokers. They made the conference finals the last two seasons, but lost pretty badly both times. Considering every year lately seems to be "their year", even the conference finals seems like it's not enough. But this year is different. They haven't exactly been dominating the west as they usually do, in fact they barely squeaked into the playoffs. But the pressure is still there even if it might not seem like it, and people's jobs will more than likely be on the line if they "choke" yet again.&...